First HRT Appointment , what to expect?

[LizK]

I am just curious about what to expect at my first appointment for HRT which is tomorrow morning. Things are going to be as bit different for me as I already have a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria from another Psychiatrist not connected with the local Gender Dysphoria Clinic. When setting up the appointment I advised the Dr and sent a copy of the report but because there was no statement to say I am ready for "cross sex hormone treatment" then she cannot/will not prescribe.

On this basis she will go through things as though I had the letters I need and will stop short of providing me with a script until I have seen a Psychiatrist linked with the Gender Dysphoria Clinic whom I do see in 3 weeks. So it is a little like putting the cart before the horse...

I assume the Dr concerned will not be bothered whether I present myself as Elizabeth or not...I am having Electrolysis the day after so have to be unshaven tomorrow so androgynous may be the best I can manage.

Anyway the appointment is for an hour and a 1/4 so I was wondering what actually went on at the first appointment?

Elizabeth K

[Cindy]

If you are seeing Rosie, a lot of talking!  She may want to do a physical and bloods. Officially she cannot prescribe without the Gender Units letter.

She can get off on tangents.

PM me if you wish

[Ms Grace]

Each endo is a bit different but generally they will do a full physical - height, weight, heart/lungs, blood pressure. They will most likely ask you a series of questions about your health, fitness, whether you smoke, how much you drink, other meds you are on, your health history (any cancers, diabetes, liver, kidney problems, heart attacks/problems, DVT), etc, etc. I expect they will as for some family health history regarding the above. Most likely they will examine your chest for any breast development. Expect them to check out the size of your testicles too, lots of fun that one. Usually you require a blood test so it was unlikely you'd get your prescription first visit anyway. Have fun!

[Mariah]

As Grace stated, each endo handles it differently. How your presenting to the endo shouldn't matter. They will understand no matter how you present. Since my base line numbers were already in hand we talked about those and he did an exam of me then we talked about my wanting to start HRT and what delivery method and how we would processed with my hRT. Hugs
Mariah

[RedheadWhovian]

I am just curious about what to expect at my first appointment for HRT which is tomorrow morning. Things are going to be as bit different for me as I already have a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria from another Psychiatrist not connected with the local Gender Dysphoria Clinic. When setting up the appointment I advised the Dr and sent a copy of the report but because there was no statement to say I am ready for "cross sex hormone treatment" then she cannot/will not prescribe.

On this basis she will go through things as though I had the letters I need and will stop short of providing me with a script until I have seen a Psychiatrist linked with the Gender Dysphoria Clinic whom I do see in 3 weeks. So it is a little like putting the cart before the horse...

I assume the Dr concerned will not be bothered whether I present myself as Elizabeth or not...I am having Electrolysis the day after so have to be unshaven tomorrow so androgynous may be the best I can manage.

Anyway the appointment is for an hour and a 1/4 so I was wondering what actually went on at the first appointment?

Elizabeth K

Hi Elizabeth!

I can't speak for you of course, but my appointment was fairly normal. Waited to be called by the nurse, she took my blood pressure, temp. and pulse, and then I waited for my endo. She was so nice, and walked me through all of the changes, and asked me a little bit of my history. She made sure I knew everything to expect, physically, and mentally, and made me sign a form to consent to HRT. She then had the nurses draw my blood to take vitals. She explained some of the risks of taking hormones, but that she has never had to take anyone off for health reasons. She's just had to work with them to make a healthier lifestyle. I then left with my prescription, which I picked up in their interior walgreens. ^_^ And I would say it would be absolutely shocking if the doctor minded you wanting to be called Elizabeth.

Hope that helps at all. *hugs*

[LizK]

Thank you all for your replies. I turned up this morning a few minutes early and was greeted by the receptionist/nurse and then waited about 40 minutes before seeing Dr Jones. Just prior to this I was measured up by the Nurse with my weight taken. She was really nice and asked how I wanted to be addressed and if I preferred Elizabeth. I choses to stick with my birth name at this stage...not a big deal

I saw Dr Jones for about 40mins and she examined me physically...I did point out to her that this was a first for me as I have never had my genitals examined by anyone..she replied with a quip about not even been taken out to dinner first as she "rummaged" around for the boys (she was very gentle and professional the whole time). It was funny and she has a very dry sense of humor...Oh yeah another first for me ...first time on a Gyne table...wasn't quite sure how to position myself but when I did....see you later dignity!! 

The rest of the examination was oral. She has a unique style which I must say I do like. She does not beat around the bush and got straight into it with me. We discussed the Psyche report and I explained to her my concerns about it and we agreed in the end that it was not worth the hassle to bother trying to correct the original report as it really was of little value anyway. She did catch me off guard when asking me about suicide. She asked it such a matter of fact way that I was stunned into silence(unusual for me) and had a moment to decide whether I would be honest with her or not. I was honest and told her about my previous attempt and the subsequent suicidal thinking...We talked in a way that put me at ease, she understood me and called me on some of my previous actions and what they were really about, for example at one point she observed..."you went nursing to try and fix yourself didn't you"...she was dead right that was about 50% of why I went nursing in the first place.

All in all it went well I have a heap of blood tests to have done along with a bone density scan(research I think) all of which will be completed by Friday. I will see her in another 4 weeks for a follow up to this and I would think a plan to go forward with. She says as soon as I get my approval from my Psyche we will be ready to go.

Some people may find her a bit abrupt, but It doesn't bother me and I am not afraid to ask a hard question or two either. Right at the very end she said to me it was about time the medical community did the right thing by me and that part of her job was to keep me safe, She made it very clear that she was there to help me be who I am.

It actually feels like I am taking the first tangible steps on my Journey.

Elizabeth K

[BeverlyAnn]

I saw Dr Jones for about 40mins and she examined me physically...I did point out to her that this was a first for me as I have never had my genitals examined by anyone..she replied with a quip about not even been taken out to dinner first as she "rummaged" around for the boys (she was very gentle and professional the whole time). It was funny and she has a very dry sense of humor...Oh yeah another first for me ...first time on a Gyne table...wasn't quite sure how to position myself but when I did....see you later dignity!! 

Elizabeth, it's wonderful to hear your progress.  You seem in so much better a place than when we PM'd and that's so great to know.

Glad to hear she was gentle.  I had an appointment with my urologist yesterday partially followup, partially to tell him about my therapists recommendation for an orchiectomy.  He WAS NOT gentle.  I seriously had to come home and take some heavy duty pain med and go to bed.  I felt like he stomped instead of examined. LOL  It felt like he'd done the orchi then instead of next month.

[Rachel]

Fantastic, I am very happy for you. Good luck.

I am in the USA.  I know that after my visit to my trans intake I felt like a weight was lifted and I finally found the right place.

[Jacqueline]

Elizabeth,

I didn't see your original post. Great to hear. Glad it went so well. I just had mine a little over a week ago as well. All sounds pretty similar, here in the states too.

Hope your letter arrives soon.

Joanna

[LizK]

Elizabeth,

I didn't see your original post. Great to hear. Glad it went so well. I just had mine a little over a week ago as well. All sounds pretty similar, here in the states too.

Hope your letter arrives soon.

Joanna

Hi Joanna

So how are things 6 days in...notice any differences?

Elizabeth K

[Jacqueline]

Elizabeth,

Thanks for asking. I have been trying not gloat, or obsess. It's kinda hard to not think about something, as we are all uniquely adept at on this site.

So. Initially I could swear my skin is softer already. I thought I must be imagining it, but others mention that almost immediately.

TMI but intestines and stomach okay but a little off for the first 2-3 days. (not sure that isn't the Spiro).

My nipples have always been sensitive, so while there is a easily sensed quality there, it might just be me(seems a little early).

I don't know if I felt the euphoria some speak of. I was really both excited and a bit worried to start. I don't know if any or all of this is a placebo effect but I could also swear a loss of anxiety. That is what I have mostly been looking for. At 51, I don't have a lot of expectations of huge changes but clarity or relaxing of mind is what I have wanted. I am not sure about clarity but relaxing seems to be occurring. This is the first night in a week where I had to get up in the middle of the night (3 am our time). It used to be 1-2 nights a week I didn't get up for an hour or more in the middle.

Not sure if that gives any indications but there it is for me.

Hope you join me in a day or so.

Joanna

[Ms Grace]

Glad to hear things are progressing well for both of you!

I saw Dr Jones for about 40mins and she examined me physically...I did point out to her that this was a first for me as I have never had my genitals examined by anyone..

Yeah, that's always so much "fun"!

[spx_1112]

I was called Shannon from my very first appointment and felt so good.  I was treated so well more later. Hugs Shannon

[spx_1112]

My Endo and GP are both female.  I want it that way.  I'm more comfortable as well.  I always go with the pink exam gown and not the hideous blue or green. 

[spx_1112]

First appointment was like an annual physical. Arrived and checked as Shannon.  Called by nurse as Shannon (so good to hear that) then the usual height weight pulse blood pressure with nurse then came the exam. GYN setup first time seeing that.  Chest/Breast exam I did have development.  Pelvic/Groin exam including penis. Rectal exam.  I was there for an hour+ to talk and have the physical exam

[spx_1112]

Elizabeth.   How was your follow up checkup?  Blood work?

[LizK]

Hi spx_112 
Thanks for asking...I started on a low dose on the 15th May and increasing to a full transitional dose by the 12 July. I see her again on the 16 August. The first blood work came back in April(pre anything) and I had a T level of <1 should be between 5-6, which shocked her totally and pleased the heck out of me because I don't need any T blockers. Less drugs = Less Side effects

I have a new round of bloods due sometime in the next 7 days in prep for our next appointment. I have had approval from the Dr who manages my implanted pump to have an Estrogen implant so I guess that will be the next discussion on the 16th.

So far so good

Thanks
Hugs
Liz

[spx_1112]

Liz,

Thanks for the update.  Keep us posted on your emotional and physical changes. Hugs. Shannon

[spx_1112]

The gyno exam table and stirrups are an interesting experience

[mm]

GYN exam and stirrup is an experience the first time for everyone for sure, try to relax that will help a lot. I know it is much easier to say relax than actually be relaxed the first time with all the unknown.  The entire exam will go so much better if you are relaxed and your muscles are not tensed up.